Tent Camping Checklist
🏕️ Tent Camping Checklist
We've created a personal checklist so that you don't forget anything! Please consult and use this as a guide for preparing your trip. This checklist covers general items and some items may be shared, so please coordinate with other campers for shared items.
🧰 Need Gear? We've Got You Covered!
Out at Camp is proud to offer a Gear Library for our community members. If you don’t have access to essential camping gear—like a tent, sleeping pad, or cook kit—we’ve got a collection of items available to borrow. Just let us know what you need when you register, and we’ll do our best to outfit you for the trail, lake, or cabin.
Our Gear Library is available any time—not just for Out at Camp adventures, but for your own personal trips too! Whether you're heading out solo or organizing your own getaway with friends, we're here to support your time in nature. Visit our Gear Library page to learn more!
🛻 Drive-In Tent Camping
- Tent (with stakes and guylines)
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Sleeping pad or air mattress
- Camp chairs
- Cooler for food and drinks
- Camp stove or grill with fuel
- Cooking utensils (pot, pan, spatula, etc.)
- Eating utensils (plate, bowl, cup, fork, knife, spoon)
- Reusable water bottles or jugs
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Lantern for campsite lighting
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, etc.)
- Clothing appropriate for the weather (including rain gear and warm clothes)
- Swimwear and towel
- Footwear suitable for hiking
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, and lip balm
- Cash and ID
🥾 Thru-Hiking
- Lightweight backpack with rain cover
- Tent or bivy sack
- Sleeping bag (appropriate for season)
- Sleeping pad
- Ultralight stove and fuel
- Lightweight cookware and utensils
- Water bottles or hydration system
- Water purification method (filter, tablets, etc.)
- High-energy, lightweight food
- Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Multi-tool or knife
- Clothing appropriate for the weather (moisture-wicking layers, rain gear, etc.)
- Hat, gloves, and extra socks
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, etc.)
- Trowel for digging catholes
- Bear bag or canister for food storage
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, and lip balm
🛶 Canoe Camping
- Canoe or kayak with paddles
- Personal flotation device (PFD)
- Dry bags for gear storage
- Tent
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Camp stove and fuel
- Cooking utensils and eating gear
- Water bottles and purification method
- Food stored in waterproof containers
- Map and compass or GPS
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Multi-tool or knife
- Clothing appropriate for the weather (including rain gear and quick-dry clothing)
- Swimwear and towel
- Footwear suitable for water and land
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, and lip balm
- Personal hygiene items
- Rope for securing canoe and gear
🏡 Cabin Weekend
- Bedding (sleeping bag or sheets and blanket)
- Pillow
- Towels for bathing and swimming
- Comfortable clothing and sleepwear
- Footwear for indoors and outdoors
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
- Food and snacks
- Cooler for perishables
- Cooking utensils and eating gear (if not provided)
- Games, books, or other entertainment
- First aid kit
- Flashlight or lantern with extra batteries
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Cash and ID
Remember to adjust your packing list based on the specific trip, season, and personal needs. If you're unsure about what to bring or need to borrow gear, feel free to reach out to us or check our Gear Library. Happy camping! 🌈